226 COMMON BRITISH INSECTS. 



though apparently both localities are exactly alike in 

 every respect. 



When full-fed, the caterpillar spins a cocoon of 

 wonderful toughness and strength. It is shaped very 

 much like an egg (whence the popular name of Oak- 

 eggar), and is brown and very close in texture. About 

 the end of summer or beginning of autumn, the Moth 

 breaks its way through the cocoon and appears in the 

 perfect state. It mostly flies at night, but I have seen 

 it on the wing at mid-day. 



OUR last example of the Nocturni is the beautiful 

 EMPEROR MOTH (Saturnia carpini or pavonia-minor). 



Saturnia carpini (female). 



The general appearance of both sexes is very similar, 

 except that the colours of the male are much more 

 brilliant than those of the female. The colour and 

 markings are so conspicuous that there is no necessity 

 for very minute detail. The wings are pearly-grey, 

 mottled and striped with brown, dark-grey, and 

 chestnut. On each of the wings there is an eye-like 

 spot, black in the middle, and surrounded with con- 

 secutive rings of warm buff and black, variegated with 

 dark-crimson and violet. 



